The Cat’s Meow

Tag Archives: feline vocalizations

Do you have a talkative kitty? Or does your furball only meow occasionally? Cats all have their own unique purrsonalities, and, just like people, some are more vocal than others are. A Fort Collins, CO vet discusses the cat’s meow in this article.

Meow History

Did you know that kitties may have started meowing just so they could boss humans around? While kittens and mama cats meow at each other, adult cats mostly use facial expressions and body language to communicate with one another. As it turns out, the fact that Fluffy’s meows often sound like the cries of a newborn baby probably isn’t a coincidence. Apparently, our feline overlords figured out long ago that combining plaintive meows with just being adorable is a very effective way to get us to feed them.

Breeds

Some breeds are known for being very vocal. The Siamese, for instance, is renowned for the fact that their meows sound very much like the cries of human babies. Maine Coons, on the other hand, vocalize with some very cute chirps and trilling noises. On the quieter end at the spectrum, we have kitties like the Abyssinian and American Shorthair, who just don’t seem to have much to say.

Senior Cats

It isn’t unusual for cats to vocalize more in their senior years. Older kitties sometimes become confused or forgetful. Fluffy may forget where the litterbox is, and could meow to express her distress. If your aging kitty starts talking more, have your vet examine her to make sure there isn’t a medical issue behind her behavior. Otherwise, just do what you can to comfort your pet.

Signs of Illness

Changes in your cat’s vocalizations can be a sign of illness in cats. If Fluffy is usually quiet, but then starts meowing loudly, she may not be feeling well. The opposite is also true: kitties that normally talk a lot, but then fall silent, may also be sick. Contact your vet immediately if you notice changes in your cat’s meowing habits.

Conversations With Fluffy

When Fluffy meows at you, go ahead and talk back to her. To have a little fun with your furball, try mimicking her meows. It can be fun to see how long you can keep this cute game going!